Chapter 46 : Severing ties

Lumian stepped into the hospital, the sterile scent of antiseptic filling his nostrils. The bright fluorescent lights cast a dull glow on the pristine white walls, the quiet murmur of voices and distant beeping of monitors creating a backdrop of artificial calm.

His boots clicked softly against the polished tile floor as he made his way to the reception desk. The nurse on duty barely spared him a glance, her attention fixed on the computer screen in front of her.

He leaned against the counter, offering her a charming smile. "Excuse me, I'm looking for a patient. Melanie Adams."

The nurse looked up, finally acknowledging his presence. She was middle-aged, her graying hair pulled into a tight bun. Her eyes held the tired wariness of someone who had seen too much and cared too little.

"Are you family?" she asked, her fingers poised over the keyboard.

Lumian nodded. "Jason Adams. I'm her father."